Chapter 33: Hard
Ethan crossed through the gates of Eldranor, feeling the pleasant weight of his newly won power. The cold, ancient air of the kingdom seemed to greet him, reminding him of what he had already achieved, and what he still intended to claim.
Aeris was waiting for him in the main hall, her staff lightly resting on the ground. It seemed the Guardian had warned her of his arrival.
The calm smile she always wore appeared when she saw him, but it didn’t escape his notice that it took a second longer to form. Her eyes, usually serene, seemed more restless than usual.
"You returned sooner than I expected," she said, her voice a bit firmer than usual.
"Did you miss me?" Ethan replied, wearing that faint, teasing smile that could provoke more than a thousand words.
Aeris hesitated, lowering her gaze slightly, but didn’t answer right away. When she did speak, her voice came out sharper. "I just found it... odd. You stayed at the castle so long, I didn’t expect you back so soon."
He stepped closer, looking directly into her eyes. "Who do you think I was with, Aeris?"
She tried to hold her expression, but the slight press of her lips gave her away. "With the princess," she almost whispered.
Ethan tilted his head, feigning surprise. "Jealous?"
"No... it’s not jealousy," Aeris replied too quickly, looking away. "It’s just... strange. That’s all."
"You look even more beautiful when you lie," Ethan teased, almost whispering. He reached out and brushed aside a strand of hair that had fallen over her face.